I should think that it would be safe to assume that the 1 metre gauge was chosen for Thailand so as to marry up to the system built from Singapore to the Thai border. By the use of a narrower gauge than the standard gauge, aka Stephenson gauge, it is possible to build tracks with a lesser radius on bends. This is particularly important in hilly country.

Any suggestion that goods traffic can be carried at the high speeds mentioned is ludicrous as anybody who knows anything about driving trains will tell you.

Spot on with your last comment, freight could use it at night though. The short burst through the channel tunnel is the only place I know where it mixes,but, the speed in the tunnel is restricted to 90 mph.

Can you imagine the confusion by adding TRAM lines to th BKK roads, who would give way ????

wouldn't it be lovely electric clean trams -tourist attraction- less polution- yes the new style with 2 carriages -a smile and Miracle and orchid painted on the side.

There used to be trams decades ago..

They are going with express bus routes instead. There is definitely room for a light rail system with all the disused or underused rail lines around.

Yup, from the 1890s to the 1960s they had tram lines in Bangkok. You can still see the tracks in a few places.

Quote:

"The pending 4,000-NGV-bus project for Greater Bangkok was also a priority task. Authorities are now revising the plan and it would be completed over the next few weeks when the new directors of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) are settled in after September 20. Then, the specifics of the number of new buses required, procurement methods and budget could be revealed.

Currently, 2,801 buses are providing commuter services in Greater Bangkok and most of them are 14-18 years old.

At least 3,500 new buses are needed to replace the old ones. But, the decision on the procurement method has not been made yet. The choices are leasing, purchasing or renting.

Many suppliers have also rushed to offer their technologies and prices varying from Bt2 million-Bt4 billion per vehicle.

Chatt said he personally prefers the leasing method as this could bring down the budget. However, there should be a mix of new buses procured by renting, leasing and purchasing."

Is this a revival of the much criticised bus plan from the abhisit coalition partner? Criticized because it was openly full of corruption and collusion?

Funny how the tide turns.

If this gets built, a lot of Thais will be killed at crossings and trains derailed by buffalo.

Some would say it's a small price to pay to "modernize" the SRT - most of those involved would say "Which way to the bank?"